Former Arsenal forward Gervinho has admitted that he is enjoying a new lease of life at Roma where he is thrilled to be playing alongside Francesco Totti.

The Ivory Coast international endured a difficult time at Arsenal but has been in a rich vein of form in the Italian capital this season since being allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium by Arsene Wenger last summer.

He has scored five goals in 18 Serie A appearances for Roma already this season and forged a formidable partnership with Totti.

Gervinho said: "I'm really happy to be able to play with Totti. There's a great understanding between us in attack. He isn't someone who talks a lot and to know that he has said great things about me has given me huge motivation. Thanks to his assists I have a lot of opportunities to score.

"Have I returned to what I was? It was just a matter of time. Thanks to Rudi Garcia, who I knew already, I've rediscovered the confidence that I was lacking.

"The league is still long and we'll have other chances to cut the gap to the Bianconeri."